“Style and space — very rarely are both of these attributes found in one relatively affordable C-segment vehicle.

Sure, there are plenty of easy-on-the-eye compact family hatchbacks around — some with almost inexplicably roomy interiors — but none of them also offer tremendous boot space. And the vast majority of the segment’s lumpy-rumped saloons (which possess decent luggage-loading abilities) are anything but handsome.

The premium portion of the segment, however, doesn’t seem to suffer from the same automotive ailment. Vehicles such as the Mercedes-Benz CLA and Audi A3 Sedan look just as attractive — if not even more so — than their hatchback siblings, with the added practicality of an impressive luggage compartment. Of course, this is a benefit and badge for which you pay, quite literally.

So, where does the new Opel Astra Sedan — which has finally returned to South Africa’s new car landscape — fit into the equation? That’s not an easy question to answer. You see, the booted Astra is beautifully styled and entirely well proportioned — unlike most of its key rivals. The extended rear of the vehicle doesn’t come across as if it were crudely tacked on to a hatchback body. Instead, it just looks right. And while the Astra doesn’t quite match the luxury propositions from the German brands mentioned above, it is unquestionably upmarket — both inside and out.”